Wanted by Her Lost Love - By Maya Banks Page 0,18

environment where she was exposed to Jarrod.

It had been all she could do to keep it together. She was furious that she’d sat there while that bastard stood in the doorway with his bewildered look of innocence, but she’d been paralyzed the moment he’d walked into Ryan’s apartment.

She hated the feeling of helplessness and she’d never, never allow herself to be such a passive respondent again. Going forward, if she saw the bastard, she’d kick his ass, pregnant or not. And then she’d tell Ryan precisely what he could do with his precious brother.

She hated Jarrod with a passion she reserved for few things in her life. And she hated Ryan for turning his back on her when she absolutely needed him the most.

No, she couldn’t stay here. Not a minute longer.

She forced herself to consider her alternatives. This time she wasn’t fleeing on ragged impulse without caring which way the wind blew her. No, she would come up with a solid plan of action. She’d go someplace quiet and safe—a good place to raise her son or daughter.

“You’re leaving, aren’t you?”

Ryan’s voice came from the door. She started guiltily and finally raised her eyes to his. Angry because she allowed herself to feel guilt even for a second, she hardened her gaze as she stared back at him.

“There’s no reason for me to stay.”

“Come with me into the living room,” he said, holding his hand out to her. For a long moment she simply stared at his outstretched hand. She should refuse, but something in his voice made her comply and she slipped her hand into his much larger one. He pulled her up from the bed and led her into the living room.

Sitting on the couch, he pulled her down beside him. He ran an agitated hand through his hair. “I’ve been an ass and I’m sorry. You’re in no condition to bear this stress and pressure and I’ve only added to your burden.”

She opened her mouth to speak and he placed a finger over her lips. “Let me finish. I’ve been in the office all morning and I’ve got some problems arising with an extremely important project that my partners are unable to attend to. Problems that require my immediate attention and presence. I want you to come with me.”

She stared blankly at him. Why? She didn’t get it. Why torture themselves? Why was he so persistent in flogging the dead horse that was their relationship? He’d been the one to end it. He had rendered judgment and tossed her aside like she’d never meant anything to him.

She opened her mouth to ask him just that, but again, he silenced her with his finger.

“Let me take care of you, Kelly. Let’s forget for the time being all the problems in the past and just concentrate on the present.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“I’m very serious. I’ve never been more serious in my life. We have a lot to work out. We can’t do that if we aren’t willing to spend the time together and talk.”

She’d never wanted to break down and cry more in her entire life. If only he’d been willing to listen before. If only he’d been willing to talk, to understand then. The one person she should have been able to count on above all others had coldly looked through her and called her a liar. And now he wanted to kiss and make up?

He touched her face with his fingers, and she was surprised that they trembled against her skin. His eyes were imploring her and she wavered on the edge of indecision. God, was she actually contemplating this farce? Even as she posed the question to herself she was shaking her head in automatic refusal.

He stopped the negative sway of her head by cupping her cheek and stroking his thumb lightly over her lips.

“No pressure, no promises, no obligations. Just you and me and a restful week on the beach. It’s a start. It’s all I’m asking for. I’ll only ask for what you’re willing to give.”

“But the baby—”

“I would never do anything to endanger the baby,” he said quietly. “Or you. You’ll have to see the doctor here and get his okay to travel. It’s the only way I would consider taking you on this trip.”

Her eyes dropped to her hands knotted in her lap. It was tempting, so very tempting. He was asking, not demanding, and for a moment she was transported back to their time together—to the wonderfully tender and caring